Ukiah: Attempted child abduction near Yokayo elementary school

A parent's worst nightmare: your child does not come home from school and is missing without a trace.

That's what almost happened near Yokayo Elementary School in Ukiah around 2:30 p.m. Monday.

According to Ukiah Unified School District Superintendent Deb Kubin, in a letter sent to parents Tuesday, a 7-year-old girl, a student of Yokayo Elementary School, reported that she was approached while walking home after school headed north on Dora Street.

Shortly after leaving campus the girls says a man attempted to persuade her to "go with him to the store." The student declined the man's offer, he then grabbed her arm and threatened her, according to the letter. The student ultimately broke away and ran to her nearby home and told her parents, who immediately contacted law enforcement.

According to Ukiah Police Department Captain Justin Wyatt, the girl described the man as a dark male, unknown race, wearing white shorts, white Van's shoes, a black hat with green money signs all over it and a red brim. She was unable to give the man's height, but noted he wore a red and white striped shirt that had a brown horse image on the front with a heart above it, said Wyatt.

Given the time of day, amount of children and people on the streets, UPD was unable to locate the man or verify the girls account of events, but learned she did not have a history of embellishing, according to Wyatt.

The incident is currently under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the UPD at 463-6262 or the Mendocino Sheriff's Department at 463-4411.

The letter sent home to parents was intended, say school officials, to inform, not alarm.

"The intent of this letter is not to cause undue alarm, but to inform you of this situation so that you can discuss customary safety precautions with your child. Please take the time to remind your child about your personal expectations when they are outdoors in an unsupervised area," read the notice.

Also addressed in the UUSD letter to parents was a list of tips to discuss with their children:

1. Don't talk to strangers or walk to an unknown vehicle at the driver's request.

2. Don't accept anything from a stranger.

3. Walk with an adult or group of friends to and from home or the bus stop.

4. Follow the appropriate walking routes and stay in well-lit areas.

5. Go directly home after school, and check in with your parent upon arrival.

6. Tell a trusted adult if approached by an unknown person, or if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.

"To ensure the safety of every child, we must work together as a community, and be vigilant in reporting and sharing information," wrote Kubin.

Kelly Hancock can be reached at udjfeatures@pacific.net, 468-3520 or on Twitter @udjKelly.